Australia makes historic 2.7-tonne cocaine seizure near Sydney

Monday 22 June 2026 - 07:50

Australian authorities have announced the largest cocaine seizure ever recorded in the country, uncovering approximately 2.7 tonnes of the drug during an operation in the outskirts of Sydney.

The discovery was made during an investigation targeting organized criminal activity, with officers locating the cocaine concealed in plastic containers buried within underground bunkers on a private property in Londonderry. The site is situated in the northwestern metropolitan area of Sydney.

According to law enforcement officials, the seizure represents a major blow to international drug trafficking networks operating in the region. Authorities estimate that the quantity intercepted would have generated substantial profits if distributed through illicit markets.

The operation was conducted by a joint task force specializing in the fight against organized crime, bringing together multiple agencies involved in narcotics enforcement and intelligence gathering. Investigators indicated that the discovery followed extensive surveillance and intelligence work aimed at identifying large-scale trafficking operations.

Officials stressed that the investigation remains active and that efforts are now focused on determining the origin of the shipment, identifying those responsible for its transportation and storage, and uncovering any broader criminal networks connected to the case.

Stephen Jay, a senior official with the Australian Federal Police, stated that cooperation with both domestic and international partners would continue as authorities seek to trace the supply chain behind the record haul.

Australia has long been considered a lucrative destination for international drug traffickers due to its high street value for illicit narcotics. As a result, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts in recent years to disrupt maritime and land-based smuggling routes used by transnational criminal organizations.

The scale of the seizure highlights the growing sophistication of trafficking methods, with criminal groups increasingly relying on hidden storage facilities and complex logistics networks to evade detection. Experts note that such quantities are rarely intended for local distribution alone and often indicate links to broader international operations.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether arrests have been made in connection with the discovery. However, investigators emphasized that the case remains a top priority and could lead to further enforcement actions in the coming weeks.

The record seizure is expected to have a significant impact on criminal supply chains while reinforcing Australia’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and international narcotics trafficking.